Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution Control in Bangladesh: A Legal Analysis

Abstract

The marine environment of Bangladesh is mostly contaminated by land-based sources of marine pollution (LBSMP). Contaminants enter the seawater via several pathways and pollute the marine environment. They affect the coastal waters of Bangladesh where most of the marine living resources are located, and where the closest human contact with seawaters takes place. They have severe environmentalconsequences in a number of areas including public health, food resources, and marine species integrity and their health.The objective of this commentary is to identify the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for LBSMP control in Bangladesh. It identifies the sources of LBSMP and reviews legal and institutional arrangements and mechanisms. It takes into account the various activities, measures and obstacles in controlling LBSMP in Bangladesh.This commentary commences with a discussion on marine environmentalconditions of Bangladesh and highlights the various types of organic compounds, insoluble inorganics, and the high levels of sediment loads from various sources discharged into the marine and coastal environment of Bangladesh. Regional approaches to LBSMP control are then discussed. In this regard the Action Plan for South Asian Seas, and the Colombo Workshop are analysed and evaluated. The commentary then moves on to discuss national activities for the control of LBSMP.Implementation of international agreements, national legislation, national policies and marine environmental educational programs are highlighted and evaluated. Finally obstacles to the control of LBSMP are considered. Issues relating to poverty, incapacity and economic disincentives are focused on and critically examined. In line with the objective, the commentary ends on the note that a comprehensive legal regime based on coordinated action is required for the effective control of LBSMP in Bangladesh.